Last week, Year 12 students divided into their Houses and set off for visits to each of the LAE’s six partner schools.

Over the course of the day, they buddied up with peers in the same year group at the partner school, toured the school campuses and took part in activities and lectures.

Caterham House were warmly received by Caterham School, who invited LAE students into lessons and for a woodland walk. LAE’s Mieszko said, “I found the trip very insightful and what interested me most was the welcoming nature of the teachers and students. The walk was also very refreshing, and it was fun to share our experiences”. Louie said that it was insightful getting introduced to different styles of teaching.

Greta is in Forest House: “We had a lovely time at our partner school where we got to work in small groups with Forest pupils, stimulating our brains by engaging in discussions over topics from time travel to the power of history to stop war.

“We also enjoyed lunch in Forest’s stunning main hall before making a short presentation based on our previous discussions. Throughout the day, Foresters also showed us around the school, and we got to explore the sixth form centre as well as some of their green areas.”

Eton House enjoyed a tour of the historic and “mesmerising” campus of Eton College, including visiting the College’s museum. Armaan said it was “truly an amazing experience. I had a really good time with my friends as well as making some new ones there”.

Brighton and UCS Houses also enjoyed their time at their partner schools, with Brighton College putting on a rooftop lunch with sea views and inviting LAE students to join them in stimulating lectures on nationalism and transhumanism.

At Highgate School, LAE students joined in with orienteering, and a range of lunchtime clubs including gardening, history and drama societies. Manahil said, “it was nice to meet the Highgate students and get a taste of what their school life is like, and also just meeting new people and getting to know them was a pleasant experience.”

Thank you to our partner schools, without which our Year 12 students would not have had this insightful opportunity to exchange experiences. We look forward to returning the favour by welcoming partner schools to visit LAE later in the school year.